Fiber management assemblies and network interface devices incorporating such assemblies

ABSTRACT

Fiber management assembly comprises an optical fiber splitter, a splice holding section having a fiber splice device mounted therein, and a slack storage system. The optical fiber splitter, splice holding section and slack storage system are disposed on one of a tray and an interior surface of an enclosure body. In addition, patch panel tray having a patch panel comprising a plurality of adapters mounted thereon is provided, wherein a bare end of a splitter input fiber is routed via the slack storage system to a first end of the splice device, and wherein pre-connectorized splitter output fibers are routed to different adapters of the plurality of adapters.

FIELD

The present description relates to fiber management assemblies andnetwork interface devices for use in telecommunications that incorporatesuch assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunication cables are used for distributing data across vastnetworks. As telecommunication cables are routed across networks, it isnecessary to periodically open the cable and splice or tap into thecable so that data may be distributed to “branches” of the network. Thebranches may be further distributed until the network reaches individualhomes, businesses, offices, and so on. The distributed lines are oftenreferred to as drop lines. At each point where the cable is opened, itis necessary to provide some type of enclosure to protect the cable (andpotentially unjacketed fiber) and allow easy and repeated access to thecable, such that technicians may easily access the cable to providenecessary services, the link may be tested, and so that one installationcrew may install a drop line to the device, while another completes thelink inside the home to the subscriber optical network unit.

Enclosures for both electrical and optical telecommunication cables aregenerally known. For example, there are enclosures that receive one ormore cables and contain some form of cable connection. Such enclosuresoften also contain storage means for storing unused conductive wires oroptical fibers waiting for subsequent use. In some enclosures, splicesin the cable and connection devices intended for subsequent connectionto drop wires are maintained in separate areas of the enclosure, so asto reduce the possibility of damaging or disrupting cable splices duringre-entry into the enclosure when connecting drop lines or the like.Terminals or closures positioned at a final residential unit, likely asimplex or duplex home, are sometimes termed network interface devices.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present description relates to a fiber managementassembly. The fiber management assembly comprises an optical fibersplitter, a splice holding section having a fiber splice device mountedtherein, and a slack storage system. The optical fiber splitter, spliceholding section and slack storage system are disposed on one of a trayand an interior surface of an enclosure body. In addition, patch paneltray having a patch panel comprising a plurality of adapters mountedthereon is provided, wherein a bare end of a splitter input fiber isrouted via the slack storage system to a first end of the splice device,and wherein pre-connectorized splitter output fibers are routed todifferent adapters of the plurality of adapters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a network interface device according toan aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a fiber management tray assembly according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a fiber management tray assembly according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fiber management tray assemblyaccording to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a fiber management tray assembly according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is close-up top view of a portion of a device according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a network interface device according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a network interface device according toan aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a network interface device according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B respectively show a perspective view and an explodedview of a network interface device according to an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C respectively show perspective views and anexploded view of a network interface device according to an aspect ofthe present invention.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be describedwith particular reference to the Drawings. Exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure may take on various modifications and alterationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not to be limited to the following described exemplaryembodiments, but are to be controlled by the limitations set forth inthe claims and any equivalents thereof.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that forms a part hereof and in which are shown by way ofillustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments arecontemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spiritof the present disclosure. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing theteachings disclosed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having pluralreferents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used inthis specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generallyemployed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearlydictates otherwise.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower,” “upper,”“beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilizedfor ease of description to describe spatial relationships of anelement(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theparticular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein.For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over orflipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath otherelements would then be above those other elements.

As used herein, when an element, component or layer for example isdescribed as forming a “coincident interface” with, or being “on”“coupled with” or “in contact with” another element, component or layer,it can be directly on, directly coupled with, in direct contact with, orintervening elements, components or layers may be on, connected, coupledor in contact with the particular element, component or layer, forexample. When an element, component or layer for example is referred toas being “directly on,” “directly coupled with,” or “directly in contactwith” another element, there are no intervening elements, components orlayers for example.

The present invention relates to a demarcation box or network interfacedevice or network interface unit (referred to herein simply as networkinterface device or NID) configured for distributed splitting. In oneaspect, the network interface device can include a fiber managementassembly having a splitter or splitter module disposed in an enclosurebody. In one aspect, the fiber management assembly includes a mechanicalsplice and actuation system. The fiber management assembly can bemodular and can be provided on a tray that can be easily inserted in theenclosure body of the network interface device. Accordingly, variousaspects of the present invention allow for the use of a splitter todirect signal transmitting through an outside plant drop cableterminated to a plurality or indoor or indoor/outdoor cables connectingto an optical network terminal disposed inside the premise or premisesof a customer or multiple customers. This system allows for thereduction of splice points through the use of distributed splitting.

In one aspect of the invention, FIGS. 11A-11C show a network interfacedevice 900 that is configured for distributed splitting. NID 900includes a pre-installed splitter and patch panel for multi-subscriberand/or multi-dwelling applications. As shown in FIG. 11A, a networkinterface device 900 includes a patch panel assembly 960 having a patchpanel tray 964, protective tabs 967 (to protect fibers routed to thepatch panel), and a patch panel frame 965 disposed within an enclosurebody 902. Releasable latches 968 can be provided to maintain theposition of the patch panel tray 964. The tray 964 can be constructedfrom a standard material, such as metal or plastic.

Patch panel frame 965 can accommodate multiple adapters 924 a arrangedin rows. While twelve adapters are shown in FIG. 11A, patch panelassembly 960 can be configured (e.g., sized) to accommodate a smaller orgreater number of adapters. With multiple adapters housed within networkinterface device 900, multiple subscribers can be serviced from the samedevice.

In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 11B, patch panel tray 964 is pivotablymounted to a fiber management tray 904, which is in turn mounted onto(or, alternatively, formed on) an interior surface 906 of the enclosurebody 902. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, fiber management tray 904 caninclude various fiber management areas, such as slack storage 910, fibersplice holding section 915, and adapter holding section 925. Each ofthese fiber management areas can be constructed the same as thoselike-numbered fiber management areas and components described in greaterdetail below.

In addition, fiber management tray 904 can also house a splitter 990,such as a 1×4, 1×8, or 1×16 optical fiber splitter, or a combination ofsplitters (e.g., a 1×4 and 1×8 splitter would accommodate the connectionof up to twelve subscribers), depending on the application. The splitter990 can be a conventional optical fiber splitter, and can include asingle input fiber and multiple pre-connectorized output fibers.

As shown in FIG. 11B, splitter 990 is mounted onto tray 904 adjacent tothe splice holding section 915. In operation, a drop cable fiber (notshown in FIG. 11B, but see fiber 242 from FIG. 5) is routed to a firstend of a splice device mounted in the splice holding section 915 and thebare end of the splitter input fiber (not shown) is routed (via slackstorage system 910) to a second end of the splice device. The splitterinput fiber can be pre-installed in a splice device, such as amechanical splice, described in further detail herein. Thepre-connectorized output fibers can be routed to different adapters thatare pre-installed in the patch panel 965. Further adapters 924 b canalso be included in adapter holding section 925. Additionally, a fibersplice actuation mechanism 918 is positioned over the mechanical fibersplice device. As described in further detail herein, the fiber spliceactuation mechanism 918 is capable of actuating the mechanical fibersplice by pressing on the actuation mechanism. Pre-installation of thesplitter fibers prior to splice actuation allows an installer to avoidtorsion effects on the optical fibers. Subsequently, multiple subscriberhome run drop fibers/cables (being pre-connectorized or field mountedonto connectors) can be connected to the patch panel, as appropriate.

Thus the network interface device 900 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C provides ademarcation box with fully integrated fiber management, and canaccommodate at least one drop cable and connectorization/anchoringcapacity for up to twelve pre-connectorized or field terminated cables.

As mentioned above, the network interface device includes a fibermanagement assembly. FIG. 1 provides one example fiber managementassembly structure, a fiber management tray 104 mounted in a networkinterface device 100 according to another aspect of the presentdescription. Network interface device 100 generally includes anenclosure body 102 and a tray 104. Tray 104 is securely mounted to aninterior surface 106 of the enclosure body, and includes a number offiber management components. Various versions of such a tray, asdescribed herein, and tray assemblies (i.e. a tray and componentsmounted thereon or routed therethrough) fall within the scope of thepresent invention. In a further aspect, the tray can be omitted and thefiber management components can be mounted and/or formed onto aninterior surface or surfaces of the enclosure body, such as interiorsurfaces 106, 206, 706 (also see FIGS. 5 and 9, described in more detailbelow).

FIG. 2 illustrates another fiber management tray assembly according tothe present is description. Fiber management tray assembly 201 includesa first optical fiber 208 that is stored in loops around a slack storagesystem 210 in tray 204. The tray 204 can be constructed from a standardmaterial, such as metal or plastic. Preferably, the tray is constructedfrom a molded plastic material, e.g., a suitable polymer material, suchas polycarbonate, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene or the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, optical fiber 208 may comprise a standardsingle mode or multimode optical fiber, such as SMF 28 (available fromCorning Inc.), In an exemplary embodiment, the optical fiber has a 900μm outer diameter buffer coating (not including standard fiberjacketing), although optical fiber 208 can comprise any standard opticalfiber buffered diameter, such as 250 μm, or fiber buffered diameterslarger or smaller.

The first end of the optical fiber 208 is pre-installed in a firstmechanical fiber splice device 214. First mechanical fiber splice device214 is securely mounted in a first fiber splice holding groove 216 thatis integrally formed in tray 204. The first mechanical fiber splicedevice receives the first end 212 of the optical fiber after routingthrough the slack storage system. Additionally, a fiber splice actuationmechanism 218 is positioned over the first mechanical fiber splicedevice 214. The fiber splice actuation mechanism 218 is capable ofactuating the first mechanical fiber splice 214 by pressing on theactuation mechanism. In one embodiment, the fiber splice actuationmechanism comprises a flexible cantilevered arm that is integral to thetray. A perspective view more clearly illustrating this element may befound in FIG. 4. Pre-installing the optical fiber 208 in the tray in theslack storage system 210 prior to splice actuation allows an installerto avoid torsion effects on the optical fiber.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, a splitter holding section for holding asplitter, such as splitter 990 described herein, can also be provided ontray 204.

Additionally, fiber management tray assembly may include, as part of thefiber splice holding groove 216, an alignment channel 220 thatfacilitates optical fiber insertion into the first mechanical fibersplice device 214. The mechanical fiber splices described herein may be,e.g., 3M™ FIBRLOK™ II mechanical fiber optic splice device, availablefrom 3M Company, of Saint Paul, Minn., or another conventionalmechanical splice device.

Further, the splice holding groove(s) and alignment channel(s) may beformed as part of a splice holding section, which can be integrallyformed onto tray 204, or provided as a separate splice insert mountableto the tray 204. In this manner, different splice inserts can be isutilized to accommodate different types of mechanical splices or, inalternative aspects, fusion splices.

Additionally, slack storage system 210 may include at least one fiberstay 222. Fiber stay 222 is positioned to ensure that the fiber 208 willremain in position, even when a mechanical splice device (such as firstmechanical fiber splice device 214) is unactuated. Fiber stay 222 may,in some embodiments, be integrally formed in the tray and may, forexample, be a plastic tab. Slack storage system 210 includes containmentwalls 246 that partly surround the system and provide a barrier from themechanical splice device or devices. The system further includes dualhubs 248 around which the optical fiber 208 is routed, that provide fora minimum bend radius and also may, in certain embodiments, allow forfigure-8 routing of the optical fiber.

FIG. 3 illustrates some further aspects of potential embodiments offiber management trays according to the present description. Though notall elements from FIG. 2 are included, they may also be included alongwith the elements described. Fiber management tray assembly furtherincludes an adapter 224. Adapter 224 is mounted in a first adaptermounting mechanism 226 that is integrally formed in the tray. Adapter224 is generally capable of receiving and coupling two connectors. Forfurther understanding, FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of theconstruction shown in FIG. 3.

The invention may be further understood by reference to FIG. 5, whichshows a network interface device 200 having an enclosure body 202 thathouses tray assembly 201. Further, FIG. 5 illustrates that the fibermanagement tray assembly may include a first connector 228 that isconnected to the adapter 224. Second end of the first optical fiber 208is installed in the first connector 228, such that optical fiber(potentially pigtail) 208 is routed from connector 228, looped aroundthe slack storage system 210, and ultimately reaches first mechanicalfiber splice 214. Where a fiber pigtail is used, the fiber pigtail endcan be stripped and cleaved (flat or angled), or otherwise suitablyprepared. Thus, connectors can be pre-installed into the adapter with adesired length of pigtail fiber exiting from the back end of theconnector, where the end of that pigtail fiber can be prepared forsplicing and inserted part way into the splice device. According to anexemplary embodiment, this initial connectorization can be completed inthe factory, prior to field termination.

Connectors used herein, such as first connector 228, can include one orseveral different types of standard optical connectors, such as SC-type,FC-type, LC-type, and ST-type connectors. For example, when couplinginto existing analogue/digital optical distribution cables, an exemplarySC-APC (angle polished connector) connector can be employed.

The fiber management assembly may additionally include a second adaptermounting mechanism 230 that is integrally formed in the tray 204. Thoughnot shown, a second adapter may be mounted into second adapter mountingmechanism 230. The first and second adapter mounting mechanisms may be,as illustrated in FIG. 5, on opposing sides of tray 204. Alternatively,the adapter mounting mechanisms can be disposed adjacent each other onthe same area of the tray. For example, such as shown in FIG. 9, theadapter mounting mechanisms can be mounted above the slack storage andopposite the fiber splice holding section.

Another potential feature of the fiber management tray is the inclusionof a plurality of protective tabs 232 that are positioned over the slackstorage system. Protective tabs aid to both ensure that optical fiber(e.g. pigtails) and potentially exposed optical fiber from the dropcable routed through the slack storage system 210 are secured within theslack storage system, and also protects the potentially exposed fibersfrom tangling with the subscriber cable. As a layer of furtherprotection, the fiber management tray may include a protective coverthat is removably positioned over the tray and protects the firstconnector 228 and first mechanical fiber splice device 214, as well asoffering further protection to fiber 208. This protective cover (notshown) may be transparent and contain holes that snap in to connect withthe tray's integral anchor points 234.

Tray assembly 201 may further include a strain relief device 236. Strainrelief device 236 may be integral to the tray and is capable ofproviding strain relief to a drop cable or subscriber cable that travelsover the tray. It may be positioned most appropriately near an entryport, where the tray is positioned in an enclosure. Looking to FIG. 6,subscriber cable 280, which can originate in a customer's premises, mayenter an enclosure at an inlet port 278. Before the cable is ultimatelysecured to the strain relief device 236 by e.g., a zip or cable tie, orother fastener, a second connector 241 at the end of the subscribercable 280 is connected to adapter 224 in order to connect to firstconnector 228 and optical fiber 208. Appropriate subscriber cables foruse in the present invention may be e.g., EZ-Bend® cables from OFS(Norcross, Ga.), such as EZ-Bend 4.8 mm or 3.0 mm cables.

Returning to FIG. 3, tray assembly may further include a secondmechanical fiber splice device 238 that is securely mounted in a secondfiber splice holding groove 240, Fiber splice holding groove 240 (shownunobstructed in FIG. 2) is integrally formed in the tray 204 and runsparallel to the first fiber splice holding groove 216. Where a secondmechanical fiber splice device is present, fiber splice actuationmechanism 218 may be used to actuate both the first mechanical fibersplice device and second mechanical device. The two mechanical fibersplice mechanisms may be actuated serially or sequentially.

Returning to the fiber management tray assembly 201 illustrated in FIG.5, tray 204 may also include a second optical fiber 242. Second opticalfiber 242 may be routed to the opposing side 244 of first mechanicalfiber splice device 214 from which the first optical fiber 208terminates. Second optical fiber may be a 900 μm outer diameter bufferedcladding (not including standard fiber jacketing), or could be astandard optical fiber buffered diameter, such as 250 μm, or fiberbuffered diameters larger or smaller.

As noted with respect to FIG. 1, and illustrated again in FIG. 5, thetray 204 and tray assemblies described herein may be securely mounted toan interior surface 206 of an enclosure body 202. The entireconstruction of the enclosure with incorporated tray assembly may beunderstood as a network interface device.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show different aspects of the present description. FIG. 7shows a top view of network interface device 600 that includes anenclosure body 602. Enclosure body 602 may be made of any number ofappropriate materials, such as an appropriate molded plastic. In atleast one embodiment, the enclosure body may be opened and closed by ahinge mechanism 682. Network interface device 600 further includes atray 604 that is securely mounted to an interior surface 606 of theenclosure body. The tray may include (as illustrated in the version ofnetwork interface device in FIG. 8, with elements removed for ease ofillustration), a first adapter mounting mechanism 626 integrally formedin the tray, and an adapter 624 mounted into the mounting mechanism.Additionally, the tray includes a first fiber splice holding groove 616that is integrally formed in the tray, and a fiber splice actuationmechanism 618 that is positioned over the first fiber splice holdinggroove 616. Finally, the tray 604 includes a slack storage system 610.

Network interface device 600 further includes a first connector 628 thatis connected to the adapter 624. The first connector includes a firstfiber pigtail 670 that extends from it. As illustrated in FIG. 7, bothfiber pigtail 670 and an optical fiber 672 from a drop cable 674 arerouted around the slack storage system 610. First mechanical fibersplice device 614 is securely mounted in the first fiber splice holdinggroove 616, where the fiber splice actuation mechanism 618 is alsopositioned over the first mechanical fiber splice device 614. Fibersplice actuation mechanism is capable of actuating the first fibersplice device by pressing on the actuation mechanism. Finally, thoughnot shown, network interface device may include a protective cover(potentially transparent, e.g., a clear plastic cover) that is removablypositioned over the tray and protects the first connector and firstmechanical fiber splice device.

Additional elements may also be present in network interface device 600.For example, the tray 604 may include a strain relief device 636 that ispositioned proximate an entry port 678 into which the drop cable orsubscriber cable 680 enters the enclosure. Subscriber cable 680 may besecured to the strain relief device using a cable tie or zip tie 698.Tray may include a second fiber splice holding groove 684 that ispositioned adjacent to and runs parallel to the first fiber splicegroove 616. Network interface device 600 may include a second mechanicalfiber splice device 638 that is securely mounted in second fiber spliceholding groove 684. The fiber splice actuation mechanism 618 ispositioned over the second mechanical fiber splice device, and iscapable of actuating the second fiber splice device by pressing on theactuation mechanism.

Network interface device 600 may include a second adapter 688 mounted ina second adapter mounting mechanism 630 in the tray. The first andsecond adapter mounting mechanisms may be positioned on opposing sidesof the tray in one preferred embodiment. In such an embodiment, firstmechanical fiber splice device may be positioned generally between thefirst and second adapter mounting mechanisms.

Additionally, tray 604 may include a second strain relief device 692.Second strain relief device 692 may be positioned on an opposing side ofthe tray 604 from the strain relief device 636. Second strain reliefdevice 692 is positioned proximate a second entry port 694 through whicha drop cable or subscriber cable may enter the network interface device.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, a splitter holding section for holding asplitter, such as splitter 990 described herein, can also be provided ontray 604.

It should further be noted that the progression of FIGS. 5 through 7offers a helpful understanding of the fiber management tray assembliesdescribed herein. In FIG. 5, the fiber management tray assembly includesthe drop cable 274 that enters second inlet port 294, where the cable isrouted through the slack storage system after optical fiber is removedand exposed as optical fiber 242. This fiber is spliced at firstmechanical fiber splice device to optical fiber 208 which terminates atconnector 228 disposed in adapter 224. As illustrated in FIG. 6, asubscriber cable 280 may be routed to the tray (potentially through aninlet port 278 where the tray is housed in an enclosure) and connectedvia connector 241 to adapter 224. This provides the ultimate connectionbetween the subscriber and drop cables. As further provided in FIG. 7,each of the subscriber and drop cables may be coiled within theenclosure and secured by strain relief devices at the inlet ports andcable management structures and or ties within the enclosure.

An alternative aspect of the present invention is shown FIG. 9, where atray is omitted, and the fiber management components are formed on aninterior surface of the enclosure body. For example, FIG. 9 shows anetwork interface device 700 having an enclosure body 702 with aninterior surface 706. A fiber management assembly 701 having variousfiber management areas, such as slack storage system 710, fiber spliceholding section 715, and adapter holding section 725, can each havetheir components integrally formed onto interior surface 706.

Similar to the assemblies described above, a first optical fiber 708(only a portion of which is shown for simplicity) can be stored in slackstorage system 710. The fiber can comprise any of the fibers describedabove. A first end of the optical fiber 708 can be pre-installed in afirst mechanical fiber splice device 714 that is securely mounted in afirst fiber splice holding groove 716 disposed in the splice holdingsection 715. The first mechanical fiber splice device receives the firstend of the optical fiber after routing through the slack storage system.Additionally, a fiber splice actuation mechanism 718, which isconfigured and operates in a pressing manner similar to that describedabove, can be provided and positioned over the first mechanical fibersplice device 714. As with previously described embodiments,pre-installing the optical fiber 708 in the in the slack storage system710 of the fiber management assembly 701 prior to splice actuationallows an installer to avoid torsion effects on the optical fiber. Asecond mechanical splice device (not shown) may also be installed insplice holding section 715.

Additionally, fiber management assembly 701 may include, as part of thefiber splice holding section 715, an alignment channel that facilitatesoptical fiber insertion into the first mechanical fiber splice device714. The mechanical fiber splices described herein may be, e.g., 3M™FIBRLOK™ II mechanical fiber optic splice device, available from 3MCompany, of Saint Paul, Minn., or another conventional mechanical splicedevice.

Further, the splice holding groove(s) and alignment channel(s) may beformed as part of splice holding section 715 or may be provided as aseparate splice insert mountable in splice holding section 715. In thismanner, different splice inserts can be utilized to accommodatedifferent types of mechanical splices.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, a splitter holding section for holding asplitter, such as splitter 990 described herein, can also be provided aspart of fiber management assembly 701.

Additionally, slack storage system 710 may include at least one fiberstay, such as those described above. Slack storage system 710 includescontainment walls 746 that partly surround the slack storage system andprovide a barrier from the mechanical splice device or devices. Theslack storage system further includes dual hubs 748 around which theoptical fiber 708 is routed, that provide for a minimum bend radius andalso may, in certain embodiments, allow for figure-8 routing of theoptical fiber.

Fiber management assembly 701 further includes one or more adaptersdisposed in an adapter holding section 725. For example, a firstadapter, such as adapter 724, can be mounted in a first adapter mountingmechanism 726 that is integrally formed in the adapter holding section.Adapter 724 is generally capable of receiving and coupling twoconnectors. A first connector 728 can be connected to the adapter 724.Connector 728 can comprise any of the connectors described previously.The second end of the first optical fiber 708 is installed in the firstconnector 728, such that optical fiber (potentially pigtail) 708 isrouted from connector 728, looped around the slack storage system 710,and ultimately reaches first mechanical fiber splice 714. Where a fiberpigtail is used, the fiber pigtail end can be prepared as describedabove. Thus, connectors can be pre-installed into the adapter with adesired length of pigtail fiber exiting from the back end of theconnector, where the end of that pigtail fiber can be prepared forsplicing and inserted part way into the splice device. According to anexemplary embodiment, this initial connectorization can be completed inthe factory, prior to field termination.

Fiber management assembly 701 may additionally include a second adaptermounting mechanism that is integrally formed in the adapter holdingsection 725 for holding a second adapter (not shown). The first andsecond adapter mounting mechanisms may be disposed adjacent each otherin the adapter holding section.

The fiber management assembly 701 may further include a plurality ofprotective tabs 732 that are positioned over the slack storage system710 to help ensure that optical fiber (e.g. pigtails) and potentiallyexposed optical fiber from the drop cable routed through the slackstorage system 710 are secured within the slack storage system, similarto tabs 232 described previously. A protective cover, similar to thatdescribed above, may also be included.

Fiber management assembly 701 may further include a strain relief devicethat is capable of providing strain relief to a drop cable or subscribercable that travels within the assembly. It may be positioned mostappropriately near an entry port, such as entry ports 778 and 794. Forexample, FIG. 9 shows strain relief structures 779 and 793 disposed onan exterior surface of enclosure body 702 at the ports. Internal strainrelief structures can also be provided within the enclosure body aspreviously described. In one aspect, a subscriber cable may enternetwork interface device 700 at inlet port 778. Before the cable isultimately secured to the strain relief device by e.g., a zip or cabletie, or other fastener, a second connector at the end of the subscribercable can be connected to adapter 724 in order to connect to firstconnector 728. Appropriate subscriber cables are described previously.

A cover (not shown) can be hingedly mounted as part of the enclosurebody to provide further protection to the fibers and fiber managementcomponents disposed in the network interface device 700.

In another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, anetwork interface device 800 can include multiple trays for fibermanagement and routing. For example, FIG. 10A shows network interfacedevice 800 having a tray assembly 801 mounted within enclosure body 802that includes three fiber management trays 804 a, 804 b, and 804 c in astacked arrangement. Thus, with the stacked tray arrangement, multiplesubscribers (e.g., within a single dwelling, or at an MDU) can beserviced by the same network interface device.

More detail is provided in the exploded view of FIG. 10B. For example,FIG. 10B shows a network interface device 800 having an enclosure body802 with a first fiber management tray 804 a mounted onto (or,alternatively, formed on) an interior surface of the enclosure body 802.Fiber management tray 804 a can include various fiber management areas,such as slack storage 810 a, fiber splice holding section 815 a, andadapter holding section 825 a. In addition, network interface device 800includes a second fiber management tray 804 b, which can include variousfiber management areas, such as slack storage 810 b, fiber spliceholding section 815 b, and adapter holding section 825 b. Moreover,network interface device 800 includes a third fiber management tray 804c, which can include various fiber management areas, such as slackstorage 810 c, fiber splice holding section 815 c, and adapter holdingsection 825 c. Each of these fiber management areas can be constructedthe same as those like-numbered fiber management areas and componentsdescribed previously, and are thus not described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 10B. It should be noted that the enclosure body 802 canbe configured to house a greater number of fiber management trays,depending on the application.

The fiber management trays can each be the same, or they can havedifferent fiber management components disposed thereon. In addition,each fiber management tray can include a mounting structures to allowfor an additional tray to be pivotably mounted thereon. Thisconfiguration allows for a compact structure when in use, but alsoallows an installer to easily access each tray during installation orrepair. Thus, network interface device 800 can accommodate a multi-fiberdrop cable, with the ability to route each drop fiber from themulti-fiber drop cable to a particular fiber management tray having asplice device pre-installed thereon. Fiber routing can be accomplishedin the same manner as described previously.

Thus various aspects of the invention as described in the embodimentsabove provide many features, including integrated splitting and fibermanagement configured to hold at least one adapter; a structure that canaccommodate up to twelve fiber pigtails with each connector endpositioned in an adapter in a patch panel, routed in such a way as toprotect and separate them from inadvertent damage; a structure havingadequate space to accommodate one or more hard case splitters within afiber storage area; a splice holding section that can secure differenttypes of splices, such as mechanical, multi-fiber, or fusion splices;structure to hold a stripped and cleaved end of a pigtail pre-mounted ina splice device during transportation to a customer; structure to managefibers being spliced to hold fiber-to-fiber force prior to spliceactuation; a patch panel tray configured to hold an adapter field thatalso serves as a protective cover for fiber management and craftseparation; and an integrated mechanical splice actuator.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber management assembly, comprising: anoptical fiber splitter; a splice holding section having a fiber splicedevice mounted therein, the fiber splice device configured to splicefibers; a slack storage system, wherein the optical fiber splitter,splice holding section, and slack storage system are disposed on one ofa tray and an interior surface of an enclosure body; and a patch paneltray having a patch panel comprising a plurality of adapters mountedthereon, wherein a bare end of a splitter input fiber is routed via theslack storage system to a first end of the fiber splice device, andwherein pre-connectorized splitter output fibers are routed to differentadapters of the plurality of adapters.
 2. The fiber management assemblyof claim 1, further comprising a fiber splice actuation mechanismdisposed in the splice holding section, wherein the fiber spliceactuation mechanism is capable of actuating the fiber splice device bypressing on the actuation mechanism.
 3. The fiber management assembly ofclaim 1, wherein an end of an optical fiber from a drop cable is routedaround the slack storage system to a second end of the fiber splicedevice.
 4. The fiber management assembly of claim 1, wherein the slackstorage system includes at least one fiber stay that is positioned toensure that a fiber will remain positioned within an unactuated fibersplice device.
 5. The fiber management assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of protective tabs positioned over the slackstorage system.
 6. The fiber management assembly of claim 2, wherein thefiber splice actuation mechanism comprises a flexible cantilevered armthat is integral to the tray.
 7. The fiber management assembly of claim1, further comprising a strain relief device that provides strain reliefto a drop cable or subscriber cable.
 8. The fiber management trayassembly of claim 1, further comprising a second fiber splice device,wherein the second fiber splice device is securely mounted in the spliceholding section.
 9. A network interface device, comprising the fibermanagement assembly of claim
 1. 10. A network interface device,comprising: an enclosure body; and a fiber management assembly disposedin the enclosure body, the fiber management assembly comprising: anoptical fiber splitter; a splice holding section having a fiber splicedevice mounted therein, the fiber splice device configured to splicefibers; a slack storage system, wherein the optical fiber splitter,splice holding section and slack storage system are disposed on one of atray and an interior surface of the enclosure body; and a patch paneltray having a patch panel comprising a plurality of adapters mountedthereon; wherein a bare end of a splitter input fiber is routed via theslack storage system to a first end of the fiber splice device, andwherein pre-connectorized splitter output fibers are routed to differentadapters of the plurality of adapters.
 11. The network interface deviceof claim 10, further comprising a strain relief device positionedproximate to an entry port of the enclosure body into which a drop cableor subscriber cable can enter the enclosure body.
 12. The networkinterface device of claim 10, further comprising a fiber spliceactuation mechanism disposed in the splice holding section, wherein thefiber splice actuation mechanism is capable of actuating the fibersplice device by pressing on the actuation mechanism.
 13. The networkinterface device of claim 10, wherein an end of an optical fiber from adrop cable is routed around the slack storage system to a second end ofthe fiber splice device.
 14. The network interface device of claim 10,wherein the slack storage system includes at least one fiber stay thatis positioned to ensure that a fiber will remain positioned within anunactuated fiber splice device.
 15. The network interface device ofclaim 11, further comprising a second strain relief device positionedproximate a second entry port into the enclosure body.
 16. The networkinterface device of claim 10, wherein the splice holding section,splitter, and slack storage system are mounted on a tray.
 17. Thenetwork interface device of claim 10, wherein the splice holding sectionand slack storage system are formed on an interior surface of theenclosure body.
 18. The network interface device of claim 10, whereinthe fiber management assembly comprises a first tray, wherein an adaptermounting section, the splice holding section, and slack storage systemare mounted on the first tray, and a second tray, wherein a secondadapter mounting section, a second splice holding section, and a secondslack storage system are mounted on the second tray.